Public deserves correct HIV/AIDS information

Public deserves correct HIV/AIDS information

JAKARTA (JP): Respect for the public's right to correct
information on HIV/AIDS is key to counteracting confusing
messages about the disease, experts said yesterday .

Statements often carry such moral overtones they heighten
public fears about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the
virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and
end up being almost useless, seven AIDS activists said yesterday.

They were speaking during a meeting with members of the
National Commission on Human Rights at the launch of Etika, Hak
Asasi dan Pewabahan AIDS (Ethics, rights and the spread of AIDS),
edited by Julius R. Siyaranamual.

The activists were from non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
skin specialists and the Sinar Harapan publishing company, which
published the book.

The executive director of Surabaya's non-governmental Hotline
Surya, Esthi Susanti Hudiono, said both NGOs and local
administrations found it hard to disseminate information on
women's reproductive health because of the confusing messages.

She said the situation creates problems in implementing the
national policy to fight AIDS.

Rights commission member Saparinah Sadli said that information
on AIDS must be clear, complete and accurate.

Speakers hailed Indonesia's multidimensional approach to
fighting AIDS, according to the book's cowriter Suyono Yahya.

The campaign covers cultural and moral issues and protection
and development of the rights of HIV/AIDS sufferers.

The activists asked for the commission's support to publicize
the national AIDS strategy, assist the government in minimizing
policy misunderstandings and establish a nationwide information
hotline. (01)